Pirated DVDs of Pacman bout hit Metro streets

Pirated discs of Manny Pacquiao's victory over Mexican puncher Marco Antonio Barrera have made their way to Metro Manila sidewalks and flea markets just a day after the fight. Radio dzBB reported Monday that the discs were produced as early as Sunday evening and had been distributed to vendors in various parts of Metro Manila early Monday. Copies being sold in the Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela (Camanava) district in northern Metro Manila fetched prices of between P25 to P30 each. The pirated copies were described as "clear," with the commercial breaks edited out. The higher-priced discs featured the under card matches as well. The pirated discs were sold in video CD (VCD) and digital video disc (DVD) formats. It was not immediately known if the pirated videos were sourced from the footage aired on GMA Network or the satellite feed of Solar Sports. Pacquiao defeated Barrera via unanimous decision to retain the WBC International super featherweight title on Sunday (Manila time). Pacquiao's bout again gripped the nation's attention, as many Filipinos stopped their daily activities just to watch or listen to radio and television coverage of the bout. Video pirates have previously made a killing with illegally made discs of Pacquiao's bouts. As this developed, residents in Pacquiao's home city of General Santos have started preparing a hero's welcome for Pacquiao once he returns to the Philippines this Friday. Pacquiao had said his immediate plans now are to go home and savor his victory. GMANews.TV is the official website of GMA News and Public Affairs, a division of GMA Network Inc. - GMANews.TV